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International students looking for a fully funded PhD scholarship in New Zealand can apply for the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship 2026. The scholarship supports doctoral researchers with a yearly stipend, tuition fee waiver, and long-term funding for up to three years.
The University of Otago is one of New Zealand’s leading research universities. The doctoral scholarship is open to both domestic and international applicants across different research fields. Applications are accepted throughout the year, and students are considered in four selection rounds annually.
Application Deadline: Open all year
WhatsApp ChannelUniversity of Otago Doctoral Scholarship Benefits
Selected students receive:
- NZ$34,128 annual stipend
- Tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months
- Funding for PhD and selected professional doctorate programs
- Access to research facilities and academic supervision
For PhD students, the scholarship covers domestic tuition fees for three years. Professional doctorate students receive a tuition fee waiver capped at the domestic fee rate. Student services fees and insurance are not included.
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Eligible Degree Programs
The scholarship supports:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent)
- Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
The scholarship is mainly designed for students applying for their first doctoral qualification.
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Who Can Apply?
Both international and domestic students can apply for the scholarship.
Applicants are usually expected to:
- Hold strong academic records
- Show research potential
- Meet admission requirements for a doctoral program
- Apply for their first doctoral degree
Selection is based mainly on academic merit and research ability.
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Application Process
Students must first apply for admission to a doctoral program at the University of Otago. After the admission application is submitted, eligible students receive an invitation through the university’s eVision portal to apply for the scholarship.
Applications are reviewed in four rounds each year:
- March
- June
- September
- November
Applicants must complete both the scholarship application and departmental assessment before the first day of the selection month.
Number of Scholarships
The university offers up to 153 doctoral scholarships annually.
Research Environment at Otago
The University of Otago is known for research programs in health sciences, business, humanities, and sciences. International doctoral students work closely with supervisors and research departments during their studies.
The university also offers postgraduate publishing bursaries for doctoral candidates who want support during the thesis publication stage.
Important Update for Applicants
The university has announced that its doctoral scholarship program is currently under review. Applicants should regularly check official updates before applying.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship remains one of the major fully funded PhD opportunities in New Zealand because it offers:
- Full doctoral funding
- Long-term financial support
- Access for international students
- Multiple application rounds each year
- Funding across many academic disciplines
For students planning research studies abroad, the scholarship provides stable support during the doctoral period.
Official Website
Applicants can find full eligibility details and application instructions on the official scholarship page: https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/university-of-otago-doctoral-scholarship
